36. Discuss the various methods available to diagnose helicobacter pylori infection

Question 1

List the tests which can be used to diagnose H. Pylori infection

Answer 1

^14C-urea breath test
Biopsy urease test (CLO-test)
Stool antigen
Serum blood test
Gastric biopsy & endoscopy

Question 2

Describe how the C-urea breath test works

Answer 2

C-urea is ingested by patient, which is then broken down into ammonium and bicarbonate by H. Pylori (high urease activity)
HCO3 later becomes CO2 for excretion via lungs
Breath sample is taken and then compared to the sample taken before C-urea was ingested to compare CO2 concentrations (which would be increased in H. pylori)

Question 3

What drugs may interfere with the C-urea test?

Answer 3

PPIs
Bismuth
antibiotics

Question 4

What does the serum blood test look for when determining H. Pylori status?

Answer 4

Antibodies to H. pylori

stool test is now more routinely used

Question 5

What does the stool test look for?

Answer 5

H. pylori antigens